Clonmel CTI crowned South Eastern First Years basketball champions

On Wednesday, March 22, the SETU sports campus in Carriganore, Waterford was the venue for the South Eastern First Year Boys C Basketball final between CTI Clonmel and Coláiste Abhainn Rís, Callan.

Having met in the earlier league stages of the competition, a close encounter was anticipated. Callan had a slight advantage at the end of the first quarter, leading by 7-4, but the second quarter was to prove decisive.

The CTI team dominated, outscoring their opponents by 14 points to two, setting up a half-time lead of 18-9. This was an advantage that CTI would not relinquish over the remainder of the contest and after an outstanding performance, emerged victorious on a fine scoreline of 41- 23.

A huge congratulations to all involved, most especially the players and the coaching team of Colm Ó Conghaola and Luke Boland.

A big thank you also to the parents and other family members of the boys who travelled to Waterford in support.

REMARKABLE PROGRESS
It is remarkable to think that nearly all of the boys on the CTI team (coming from Gaelcholáiste Chéitin and Raheen College) only started playing basketball when they came to the school last September.

It is also noteworthy that there is not just one First Year boys team this year but, in fact, two squads. The other First Year team were also very close to qualifying from their group, only to lose their last match in the final seconds of that encounter.

The All-Ireland quarter final, which is a round robin competition of four teams, will be played on Tuesday, April 18 and we wish the boys from CTI the very best in these fixtures.